Magnetic multiple contact programming switch system



y 1965 B. E. SHLESINGER, JR 3,

MAGNETIC MULTIPLE CONTACT PROGRAMMING SWITCH SYSTEM 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 12, 1963 I N VEN TOR Bernard Edward Shlesinger, Jr.

ATTORNEYS y 19, 1965 B- E. SHLESINGER, JR 3,261,941

MAGNETIC MULTIPLE CONTACT PROGRAMMING SWITCH SYSTEM Filed Nov. 12, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 2 i Q 5 J .20 g 8 Fri 4 A I26 r3310, 52/ j I g I M 'i i1 I28 j BernardEdward l v e s jrfgzzd ATTORNEYS y 1966 B. E. SHLESINGER, JR 3,

MAGNETIC MULTIPLE CONTACT PROGRAMMING SWITCH SYSTEM Filed Nov. 12, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 WET i1 INVENTOR Bernard Edward Sh/esinger, Jr

ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,261 941 MAGNETIC MULTIPLE CONTACT PROGRAM- MING SWITCH SYSTEM Bernard Edward Shlesinger, Jr., 906 Bruce Lane, Annandale, Va. Filed Nov. 12, 1963, Ser. No. 322,659 32 Claims. (Cl. 20087) This invention pertains to multiple contact switches for programming and the like. In general it falls in the same category of switches as my co-pending application Serial No. 268,321, filed March 27, 1963, for Multiple Contact Switch and Process and my co-pending application Serial No. 213,977, filed August 1, 1962, for Multiple Contact Switch.

Heretofo-re, plural switch arrangements have been devised for programmed type systems in which the switching units have been isolated from each other for various reasons as for example, for providing atmosphere where switching operations have been conducted in a vacuum as for example in military and civilian space exploration, and also in areas where arcing will create a problem as to likelihood of explosion or fire. In these instances, switches which are sealed and contain their own atmosphere have been employed but they are bulky necessitat ing large amounts of space. Where the atmosphere in which the system is operating tends to be of an explosive nature, it is imperative that the switch operator be insulated from the circuit maker and breaker. For compactness, it is important that the relationship between the switch itself and the operator be as close as possible to provide a good smooth operation and the utilization of a minimum of space.

With the advent of small and powerful permanent magnets, new areas have been developed in the switching field. Mechanical switching is important particularly where the power source for the operator must be located remotely from the switching members themselves. The use of solenoids for individual switching creates further complex problems in wiring and space requirements when multiple circuits are controlled.

It is an object of this invention to provide a programming system which aifords a reduction in space by permitting remote operation of the switches.

Another object of this invention is to provide a programming system in which the switches themselves are insulated and contain their own atmosphere particularly for space exploration and the like.

A further object of this invention is to provide a programming system which requires a single remote operator for operating a large number of circuits.

Yet another object of this invent-ion is to provide a programming system which is inexpensive from the standpoint of construction and operation.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a switch arrangement which eliminates arcing in areas Where explosive gases and the like are present.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a switching system which permits interchangeability of the programmed members in order to afford selective use of this system.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a programming system which makes use of inexpensive and cheap magnets for opening and closing the circuits.

Another object of this invention is to provide a programming system which allows for positive operation and good contact at all operating times.

These and other objects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.

Patented July 19, 1966 In the accompanying drawings which illustrate by way of example various embodiments of this invention:

FIGURE 1 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of this invention showing a portion of the cable being broken away.

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 22 in FIGURE 1 and viewed in the direction of the arrows drawn.

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of another embodiment of this invention.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 3 viewed in the direction of the arrows.

FIGURE 5 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of this invention.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIGURE 5 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

FIGURES 7, 8, and 9 are sectional views showing addition-al embodiments of this invention.

FIGURES 10 and 11 are sectional views of another embodiment of this invention, FIGURE 10 being a sectional view along the lines 1010 in FIGURE 11 and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

FIGURES 12, 13 and 14 are plan views showing still further modifications of this invention.

FIGURE 15 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a typical contact operator system as would be used in FIGURES 12, 13 and 14 for example.

FIGURES 1 and 2 In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 1, a block B is provided with passageway P, for receiving a cable C.

The block B and cable C may be of plastic, rubber, or any other similar insulating material.

Embedded in the cable C is a magnet M. The magnet may be a ferro type magnet or it may be one of the new type magnetic alloys such as Alnico. It is obvious that any type of magnetic material may be used in the cable C for the purposes hereinafter described.

The block B is provided with a pair of openings 2 for receiving leads 4. The leads 4 are connected to a contact ball 6 by a spring member 8. It is obvious that the spring member 8 may be a coil or some other type of resilient biasing means for the ball 6.

The block 10 is provided with a longitudinal recess 10 which is closed by a plate 12.

Within the recess 10 is a sliding contact member 14. The sliding contact member 14 is provided with a beveled end or cam surface 16 which engages beneath one of the balls 6 to afford positive locking contact when the slide 14 is shifted to the right of the recess 10 illustrated in FIGURE 1.

The slide 14 is of a material which is magnetically attracted.

FIGURES3 and 4 FIGURES 3 and 4 show a somewhat similar arrangement as in FIGURES 1 and 2. However, in FIGURES 3 and 4, the block B is provided with two passageways I and P". In this modification cable C is moving to the lefit and cable C" is moving to the right. The various other components of the arrangement shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 are similar to that shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 with the exception that the slide 14 which engages the ball 6 of the lead 4 is positioned between the cables C and C", and not above as in the case of FIGURE 1.

In place of the arrangement of leads and contacts and slides as illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 4, sealed switching units may be provided as illustrated in FIG- URES 5 through 11.

FIGURES 5 and 6 As illustrated in FIGURES 5 and 6, a cylindrical sealed capsule having top and bottom walls 22 and 24 respectively is provided with a circular magnet M. The walls 22 and 24 are recessed as at 26 and 28, as is also the magnet M as at 30 and 32 to receive spring members 34 and 36. The capsule 20 may contain atmosphere of a gas such as an inert gas to prevent shorting of the circuit in a vacuum. The spring members 34 and 36 bias the magnet and support it normally within the center of the cell or capsule 20 out of engagement with contact members 38, 40, 42 and 44. Contact members 38 and 44 engage the under surface of the magnet M and contact members 40 and 42 engage the top surface of the magnet M.

The magnet M may be conductive itself or may have a conductive coating thereon for transmitting current across the gap between either :pair of conductors when the magnet is biased upwardly or downwardly as the case may be for reasons hereinafter explained.

FIGURE7 FIGURE 7 shows a modification somewhat similar to FIGURE 6 in which the capsule 20 includes a magnet M having openings 50 and 52 for receipt of conductive C-shaped members 54 and 56. The C-shaped members 54 and 56 are connected to leads 58 and 60. The members 54 and 56 may be coated with an insulated material along the area which passes through the openings 50 and 52 in the magnet M. It is obvious that the openings in the magnet M may also be coated with a nonconductive material in order to prevent shorting when the magnet is suspended in its non-operative position.

FIGURES In FIGURE 8, the block B is shown having two recesses 70 and 72. Cap members 74 and 76 close off the recesses. In the recesses and centrally located are two posts 78 and 80 engaging at one end openings in the block 82 and 84 and at the other end openings 86 and 88 in the caps 74 and 76 respectively.

The posts 78 and 80 support the magnets M and maintain the magnets M centrally of the posts by means of opposed spring members 90 and 92.

The cable C in the block shown in FIGURE 8 is provided with a series of magnets M and M" and M. It is to be noted that magnet M is shown With its south pole at the top as viewed in the drawings. Magnets M and M are shown with their north poles at the top as illustrated in the openings. The magnets M in the recesses are shown with their north poles on the top as shown in the drawing and their south poles on the bottom. The dotted line positions show the relationship of the magnets M with respect to the magnet M in that the like :poles are repelling. The dotted line position shown with respect to magnet M and magnet M in the right hand recess illustrates the attracted forces of opposite poles of a magnet M and M closing the contacts in a downward direction as opposed to the upward direction shown in the recess 70 to the left of FIGURE 8.

FIGURE9 FIGURE 9 which shows a further modification of a capsule or cell 20 shows the magnet M mounted on a post 100. L-shaped contact members 102 and 104 support leaf spring members 106 and 108. The leaf spring members 106 and 108 are of non-conductive material or may be of conductive material coated with a non-conductive surface. The leaf members 106 and 108 are held in position between contact legs 110 and 112 and contact lugs 114 and 116.

4 FIGURES 10 and 11 FIGURES 10 and 11 show the block B with two different type switches operable by the teachings of this invention. Embedded in the block B is a typical reed switch 120. Reed switches are well known in the art for use with magnetic operators. The reed switch is encapsuled in a glass tube or the like and may be provided with an atmosphere.

Within the block B of FIGURES 10 and 11 is a chamber 122 which houses a snap acting spring member 124. The spring member 124 is supported by a lead 126. When the spring member flexes to the right, as shown in FIG- URE 10, it engages a vertical post contact 128. Typical snap acting switches are known in the ant and work in much the same manner as the toy crickets so familiar for their noise making.

FIGURES 12, 13, I4 and 15 FIGURE 12 illustrates a further embodiment in which the cable C is payed from a drum onto a drum 140. The cable runs through the block and about a pulley and back again through the block B. A recess in the block 152 is provided for receiving a movable magnet member M.

FIGURE 13 illustrates a further embodiment in which the block B is provided with a recess for supporting a magnet M. In this modification, a series of endless belts or cables C C C are operated by a single drive pulley which could be any one of the pulleys 162, 164 and 166. It is obvious that the belts may be independently operated as will be explained hereinafter.

FIGURE 14 illustrates a further development in which the block B is provided with a recess supporting a magnet M. The recess is rectangular rather than triangular as in FIGURE 13 and four belts or cables C C C; and C operate about a series of pulleys 170, 172, 174, 176, 178 and 180, 182 and 184. The belts are individually driven through drive mechanism not shown.

It is obvious that the blocks B in FIGURES l2, l3 and 14 are provided with the usual circuits not shown.

FIGURE 15 illustrates a portion of the block B in which the recess 170 is shown with various conducting members 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200 and 202. The member 210 may be a magnet similar to the magnets M in FIGURES 12, 13 and 14 or it may be of a material which is attracted by a magnet. In the case of FIG- URES 12, 13 and 14 for example instead of magnets being mounted in the cables C, small magnet attracting members such as iron or steel slugs may be embedded in the cable to cause the magnet M to shift as the cable moves by it.

Operatz'0nFIGURES 1 t0 4 In the operation of the device shown in FIGURES 1, 2, 3 and 4, the cable C is payed through the block B. The magnets embedded in the cable attract the member 14 and shift it to the right when the cable is going from left to right as illustrated in the figures. When the cable is going from right to left, the magnet will shift the slide member 14 to the left. In the right hand position, the circuit is closed. In the left hand position, the circuit is open. By use of a pair of cables as in FIGURE 3 the circuit can be opened and closed without having to stop and reverse the movement of the cable in the block B.

Alternative methods of operati0n-FIGURES 5 to 9 It is obvious that if the capsules 20 shown in FIG- URES 5, 6, 7 and 9 are used in place of the switching mechanism shown in FIGURE 1, various circuit making and breaking arrangements can be had by making the member within the capsule M a magnet. As the cable is then passed through the block, the magnets in the cable will operate to either pull or push a magnet within the capsule in one direction or the other depending upon the position of the poles of the magnet in the cable. By

operating in this manner, diiferent circuits can be opened or closed as desired. The speed of reciprocation or change of position of the magnet of the capsule will depend upon the speed at which the cable C is payed through the passageway P. The circuit may be maintained closed so long as the magnet M is located beneath the capsule or opening as the case may be. The arrangement in FIG- URE 1 allows for a positive opening or closing even while the cable C is being moved.

It is obvious that instead of a permanent magnet, a mere iron or steel or similar magnetic material member can be used having no magnet qualities. When the cable moves beneath the capsule, the only position which the member M could take would be down and attracted to the magnet. It is further obvious that instead of a permanent magnet embedded in the cable, materials having magnetic properties could be embedded therein which would be attracted to the magnet in the capsule. This of course would result in the magnet being shiftable to the down position when the magnet attracting material passes there beneath.

It will also be obvious that all of the leads shown in FIGURES 5, 6, 7 and 8 need not be used in the manner illustrated. In FIGURE 7 for example there are no leads to members 114, and 116 which means that when the magnet M in the cable repels the magnet M in the capsule, it will open the switch across the contacts 110 and 112 of contact members 102 and 104.

Operatiort of FIGURES 10 and 11 In the operation of the subject matter shown in FIG- URES 10 and 11, as the magnets M pass above the reed switch 120 or the snap acting switch, the reeds are brought together and the snap acting switch 124 is closed or opened depending upon the position of the magnet and/ or the direction in which the magnet is traveling, If for example a magnet is traveling from right to left as in the case of FIGURE 11, the snap acting switch will be opened because of the pull of the magnet against the snap acting switch to cause the member 124 to move away from the member 128.

Operation of FIGURE 12 maybe non-magnetized and the magnets embedded in the cable C.

Operation of the devices shown in FIGURES 13, 14 and 15 With respect to FIGURES l3, l4 and 15, the members M of FIGURES 13, 14 and 210 of FIGURE 15 will be shifted in one direction or the other depending upon the direction of travel of any one of the cables C. By proper sequencing of the cables, the magnets M of the nonmagnetized member 210 may be shifted in a continuous clockwise or counter-clockwise direction as desired from any of two contacts as for example 202 and 186 or 188 and 190 or 194 and 196, etc.

It will be further obvious that though the various figures are limited to only a few circuits many more circuits can be worked into a block system if the belts are extended and a plural number of blocks and belts are utilized.

While this invention has been described in connection with diiferent embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification, and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth and as fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention what I claim is:

1. A multiple contact switch comprising:

a. an insulated block b. a non-magnetic length of cable supported by said block and movable with respect thereto c. means for moving said cable d. said block including switching means for opening and closing a circuit including at least one magnet attracting means e. at least one specifically positioned magnet attracting means carried by said non-magnetic cable, and

f. at least one of said magnet attracting means including a permanent magnet whereby when said cable is moved, said magnet attracting means in said block and said magnet attracting means in said cable'will magnetically react with each other so as to open or close said switching means.

2. A multiple contact switch as in claim 1 and wherein,

(a) The magnet attracting means in said block includes a permanent magnet.

3. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11 and wherein:

(a) The magnet attracting means in said cable includes a permanent magnet.

4. A multiple contact switch as in claim 1 and wherein;

(a) Said magnet attracting means in said block and said cable include a permanent magnet.

5. A multiple contact switch as in claim 4 and wherein:

(a) Said magnets are aligned when in operative position with like poles in face to face relation.

6. A multiple contact switch as in claim 4 and wherein:

(a) Said magnets are aligned when in operative position with opposite poles in face to, (face relation.

7. A multiple contact switch as in claim 1 and wherein:

(a) Said block includes a plurality of circuits, and

(b) Said switching means includes means for opening and closing more than one circuit and each circuit includes magnet attracting means, and

(c) Said magnet attracting means in said cable includes a plurality of spaced permanent magnets.

8. A multiple contact switch as in claim 1 and wherein:

(a) Said cable includes a plurality of magnet attracting means, and

(b) Said magnet attracting means in said block includes a plurality of permanent magnets.

9. A multiple contact switch as in claim 1 and wherein:

(a) Said block includes a plurality of circuits, and

(b) Said switching means includes means for opening and closing more than one circuit including magnet attracting means, and

(c) Said cable includes a plurality of magnet attracting means, and

(d) Said cable and said switching magnet attracting means each include a plurality of permanent magnets.

10. A multiple contact switch as in claim 9;

(a) And wherein said magnets of said cable and said switching means are aligned when in operative position with some magnets spaced in repelling relationship and other magnets in attracting relationship.

11. A multiple contact switch comprising:

(a) An insulated block having a plurality of openings therein,

(b) A length of cable running thru each of said openings,

(0) Means for paying said cable thru said openings,

(d) Said block having switching means for opening and closing a circuit including magnet attracting means,

(e) Magnet attracting means in each cable;

( f) At least one of said magnet attracting means including a permanent magnet whereby when said cables are payed thru said block, said permanent magnet will react to said other magnet attraction means so as to open or close said circuit.

12. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11, and where- (a) At least two of said cables run in the same direction.

:13. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11 and where (a) Said length of cable in each opening is independent from any other length to provide a plurality of cables;

(b) At least one cable is payed through said block in a reverse direction to another.

14. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11 and where- (a) Said block includes a plurality of open circuits,

and

(b) Said switching means includes means for selectively opening and closing said circuits.

15. A multiple contact switch as in claim '14, and where- (a) Said switching means includes a chamber having a slidable magnet attracting means.

16. A multiple contact switch as in claim 14 and where- (a) Said switching means includes a chamber having a pivotable magnet attracting means,

17. A multiple contact switch as in claim 14 and where- (a) Said switching means includes a chamber having a reciprocable magnet attracting means.

18. A multiple contact switch as in claim 14 and where- (a) Said switching means includes a chamber having a snap acting magnet attracting means.

19. A multiple contact switch as in claim 14 and where- (a) Said switching means includes a chamber having a spring biased permanent magnet.

20. A multiple contact switch as in claim 14 and where- (a) Said openings in said block are parallel.

21. A multiple contact switch as in claim 14 and where- (a) Said openings in said block are set at an angle to each other.

22. A multiple contact switch as in claim 1d and where- (a) At least one cable is payed through said block in a direction angular to another cable.

23. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11 and where- (a) At least one cable crosses over another cable.

24. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11 and wherein:

(a) Said magnet attracting means in said cable are spaced a programmed distance from each other lengthwise of said cable.

. 25. A multiple contact switch as in claim 14 and wherein:

(a) Said switching means includes a magnet resiliently biased by a pair of leaf springs.

26. A multiple contact switch as in claim 14 and where- (a) Said switching means includes a magnet resiliently biased by a pair of coil springs.

27. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11 and where- (a) Said switching means is positioned between two cables.

(b) Said switching means is separated from said cable by a non-conductive material.

28. A multiple contact switch as in claim 1, and where- (a) Said magnet attracting means in said block is movable;

29. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11 and where- (a) Said length of cable in each opening is independent from any other length of cable to provide a plurality of cables,

(b) At least two of said cables are payed through at difierent speeds.

(a) Said length of cable runs in more than one direction.

31. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11 and where- (a) Said length of cable has two sections paying through said block in reverse direction to each other and in parallel relationship.

32. A multiple contact switch as in claim 1:1 and where- (a) Said circuits are encapsuled and,

(b) Said capsules includes a sealed in atmosphere.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,558,249 6/1951 Hewlett et al. 20046 X BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner.

T. D. MACBLAIN, Assistant Examiner.

30. A multiple contact switch as in claim 11 and where- 

